Motorcyclist charged after two-county pursuit

August 7, 2014

By BILL POWELLHerald Staff Writer

LOOGOOTEE — Indiana State Police arrested a Huntingburg motorcyclist late Wednesday night after a high-speed pursuit in Martin and Dubois counties.

A trooper was patrolling U.S. 231 south of Loogootee when he observed a southbound sport bike at what appeared to be a high rate of speed at 10:53 p.m. The trooper activated his radar, which indicated the motorcycle, later identified as a 1994 Yamaha FZ1, was traveling 71 mph in a 55 mph zone.

When the trooper activated his emergency lights and siren in attempt to initiate a traffic stop, the motorcycle accelerated. It continued south with speeds reaching as high as 115 mph.

After crossing into Dubois County and through Haysville, post command had the trooper terminate the pursuit.

Dubois County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Jasper Police Department officers activated their emergency lights as the motorcycle was observed entering Jasper in excess of 100 mph.

Authorities said the motorcycle turned west on 36th Street, and continued for less than a mile before stopping behind a residence at 1146 W. 36th St.

Jasper police took the driver, James Schepers, 21, of 104 N. Cherry Lane, Huntingburg, and an unidentified female passenger into custody until the trooper who began the pursuit arrived.

Schepers was transported to the Martin County Jail. State police are charging him with a Level 5 felony count of resisting law enforcement with a vehicles and misdemeanor counts of criminal recklessness and reckless driving.

The female passenger was released without charges, according to police.

Charges against Schepers in Dubois County may be pending as a result of the incident.